Dog and Monkey Menace Takes Center Stage in Telangana Municipal Election Campaigns
In the bustling state of Telangana, an unusual yet pressing issue has surged to the forefront of municipal election campaigns following the recent gram panchayat polls. Candidates across various municipalities report that voters are consistently raising concerns about the escalating dog and monkey menaces, demanding concrete solutions from aspiring leaders.
Voters Demand Action on Animal Threats
As candidates canvass neighborhoods, they encounter residents who are increasingly frustrated by the daily disruptions caused by stray animals. Madikonda Srinu, a Congress candidate from Ward 2 of Parkal municipality in Hanumakonda, emphasized the severity of the situation. "There is no doubt that the dog and monkey menace has become a major poll issue in municipal elections," he stated. Srinu has pledged to collaborate with officials and seek expert advice to tackle these problems, aiming for a permanent resolution. He highlighted that dogs and monkeys often invade residential areas in search of food, exacerbating the issue.
In addition to addressing animal-related concerns, Srinu has made broader promises to his constituents, including financial assistance of 5,000 rupees for the birth of a girl child, support during weddings by providing a mangalsutra, and 5,000 rupees in the event of a death. These commitments reflect a holistic approach to community welfare, but the animal menace remains a top priority for voters.
Broader Civic Issues Compound Voter Frustrations
Candidates note that the animal menace is just one facet of a larger crisis in municipal governance. Many municipalities lack basic civic amenities, with voters flagging critical issues such as:
- Poor drainage systems
- Deteriorating road conditions
- Shortages of potable water
- Improper waste disposal methods
Anugu Sridhar Reddy, a BJP candidate from Ward 8 of Kamareddy municipality, pointed out how waste mismanagement worsens the dog menace. "There is a serious cleanliness problem in our municipality. Waste from chicken and mutton markets is being dumped on roads or into drains, which is aggravating the dog menace," he explained. Reddy detailed the severity at the Indira Gandhi stadium, where approximately 30 dogs are often present, deterring children and the elderly from using the facility. He vowed to handle the issue legally and develop effective solutions.
Residents Seek Permanent Solutions for Monkey Menace
Beyond dogs, the monkey menace has also sparked significant concern among residents. Anil B, a voter from Ward 7 of Raikal municipality in Jagtial, expressed deep frustration. "Monkeys visit our locality daily, on a regular basis more than milkmen and vegetable vendors do. People are scared to even step out," he said. Previous attempts to catch and relocate monkeys using cages have proven ineffective, as the animals persistently return. This cycle has left communities feeling helpless and eager for lasting interventions.
The convergence of animal threats with broader civic neglect has created a volatile electoral environment. Candidates are under pressure to deliver not only on immediate animal control measures but also on improving overall municipal infrastructure and services. As the campaigns intensify, the focus on these grassroots issues underscores the growing demand for accountable and effective local governance in Telangana.
